What is the status of a license if the licensee cannot meet continuing education requirements for two consecutive renewal periods?

In California, if a licensee fails to meet the continuing education requirements for two consecutive renewal periods, the license can only be renewed under inactive status. This provision is in place to encourage professionals to maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing education, ensuring that they remain competent and up-to-date in their practice. When a license is renewed in inactive status, it means the licensee is not permitted to practice; however, this status allows the professional to maintain their license while they complete the required continuing education hours to reactivate it later.

In this scenario, the other options reflect consequences that do not align with the specific regulations surrounding continuing education non-compliance. Automatic renewal would imply that no action is necessary, which does not consider the importance of continued learning in the profession. Revocation suggests a severe action that typically requires a more significant violation or concern beyond just educational requirements. Expiration immediately would not accurately describe the process, as licenses can remain in inactive status until the continuing education requirements are fulfilled.